Recommended PC Desktop Hardware
NUIT establishes minimum hardware guidelines to assist purchasing a computer for use at Northwestern. Check with your individual school for additional requirements.
Note: If you use specialized administrative software such as TMIS, consult with your system administrator before choosing a Windows operating system. Windows XP Professional is recommended if you do not use any specialized administrative software.
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NUIT offers software at a significant discount or free for download. Please check the software Web pages before finalizing your hardware purchases. |
Desktop — minimum
Expect to use the computer for basic productivity, running multiple applications such as e-mail, web browsing, word processing, music and video players, and photo organization.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.83 GHz with 2MB L2 Cache or equivalent |
| Memory | At least 2GB RAM |
| Hard drive | At least 320GB 7200rpm SATA hard disk |
| CD/DVD drive | Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit) Ethernet |
| Monitor | 22" LCD display, with EnergyStar rating |
| Video card/VRAM | 128 MB video RAM |
| Ports | At least 2 USB 2.0 ports |
| Operating system |
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 or Windows Vista Business edition |
| Warranty | 3 year onsite next business day warranty |
Desktop — power user
In addition to the tasks above, expect to resource intensive programs for audio/video editing, graphic design, running multiple operating systems, storing large multimedia files and playing games.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo, 3.16 GHz with 4MB L2 Cache or equivalent |
| Memory | 4GB RAM |
| Hard drive | At least 750GB SATA 3.0Gb/s hard disk |
| CD/DVD drive | Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit) Ethernet |
| Monitor | At least 23" LCD display, with EnergyStar rating |
| Video card/VRAM | 512MB video RAM |
| Ports | At least 4 USB 2.0 ports |
| Operating system | Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 or Windows Vista Business edition |
| Warranty | 3 year onsite next business day warranty |
NUIT Support Center
Central helpdesk for faculty, staff, and students.
847-491-HELP (4357)
consultant@northwestern.edu
Last Updated: 02 July 2009
